James Ryan to captain Leinster for Friday night clash with Ulster

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Ulster Rugby in Round 15 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Affidea Stadium on Friday (KO: 7.45pm, live on Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.

James Ryan will captain the side while Ed Byrne, who signed on a short-term loan from Cardiff earlier this week, is set to make his first appearance for Leinster in nearly two years after being named on the bench.

Jerry Cahir and Thomas Clarkson will scrum down either side of Rónan Kelleher in the front row, with Ryan partnered by Brian Deeny, who signed a new contract to remain at Leinster earlier this week.

Scott Penny also signed a new Leinster contract this week and he will start in the back row alongside Alex Soroka and James Culhane.

Sam Prendergast starts at out-half with Luke McGrath at scrum-half, while Robbie Henshaw partners Garry Ringrose in the centre.

Hugo Keenan is named at full-back with Joshua Kenny and Jimmy O’Brien on the wings.

Byrne takes his place among the replacements alongside Gus McCarthy, Rabah Slimani, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan and Will Connors in a 6-2 split, with Fintan Gunne and Ciarán Frawley completing the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Hugo Keenan (79)
14. Joshua Kenny (12)
13. Garry Ringrose (145)
12. Robbie Henshaw (117)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (114)
10. Sam Prendergast (45)
9. Luke McGrath (251)

1. Jerry Cahir (11)
2. Rónan Kelleher (89)
3. Thomas Clarkson (72)
4. Brian Deeny (50)
5. James Ryan (105) CAPTAIN
6. Alex Soroka (25)
7. Scott Penny (101)
8. James Culhane (24)

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (26)
17. Ed Byrne (102)
18. Rabah Slimani (32)
19. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (9)
20. Max Deegan (154)
21. Will Connors (64)
22. Fintan Gunne (29)
23. Ciarán Frawley (118)

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU).